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Actor-comedian, Philly native Kevin Hart will host 2019 Oscars

Kevin Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards; actor-comedian says he's 'blown away' by chance to host the ceremony

Kevin Hart, left, and his son, Hendrix, center, are presented with a Liberty Bell by City Representative Sheila Hess. Philadelphia marks Kevin Hart Day with a mural dedicated to the comedian on his 38th birthday last year. Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the actor-comedian.
Kevin Hart, left, and his son, Hendrix, center, are presented with a Liberty Bell by City Representative Sheila Hess. Philadelphia marks Kevin Hart Day with a mural dedicated to the comedian on his 38th birthday last year. Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the actor-comedian.Read more
    by The Associated Press, The Associated Press
    Published 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kevin Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the actor-comedian.

Hart announced his selection in an Instagram statement and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences followed up with a tweet that welcomed him "to the family."

The announcement came hours after trade publication The Hollywood Reporter posted a story calling the Oscars host position "the least wanted job in Hollywood."

Hart clearly doesn't feel that way, writing on Instagram that it has been on his list of dreams jobs for years.

The 39-year-old has become a bankable star with films such as "Ride Along," ''Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Night School."

The Oscars experienced an all-time ratings low last year and has announced numerous changes for the Feb. 24 ceremony.